Kubica "helping" Mercedes

by dyrewolfe Thu 09 May 2013, 3:15 pm

While continuing to compete in rallying, Robert Kubica has been allowed access to the F1 team's simulator in his spare time. Mercedes have also said they will make a car available to him, if and when he feels ready to drive one again.

Robert Kubica "helping" Mercedes F1 Team

"If there's any chance of getting him back in a DTM touring car or F1 cockpit, we'd love to do it," said Wolff.

"Any team would love to have a Robert Kubica."

But Wolff, also the executive director of the Mercedes F1 team, emphasised that the former BMW and Renault driver was focusing mainly this year on his programme in the European Rally Championship.

"He is somebody I have known for 10 years but it's absolutely his call how he wants to help us and his main focus is rallying," said Wolff.

The Pole, who was one of the most highly regarded stars in F1, is undergoing regular rehabilitation on his right arm, which still does not have full movement.

Kubica posted competitive lap times earlier this year in a Mercedes DTM (German touring car championship) car - during a test arranged by Wolff - and admitted at the weekend that he had been in the Mercedes F1 simulator.

BBC Sport understands the door is open for Kubica to continue to use the Mercedes simulator should he wish to do so.

Kubica has made no secret of the fact that he wants to return to F1 eventually, assuming he can recover sufficient movement in his right arm to allow him to operate an F1 car within the tight confines of its cockpit.